Thursday, March 11, 2010
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MINUTES Parks and Recreation Advisory Board March 11, 2010 Board Members Present: Jim Schwerin, Kent Obee, Richard Eastland, Jill Gaebler, Mary Mashburn, Kira Pasquesi, Carl Reinhardt, Richard Stettler Absent: Nancy Hobbs Opening: Chair Jim Schwerin called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m. CITIZEN DISCUSSION Chair There were no items presented by citizens for discussion. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approval of the February 11, 2010 minutes were postponed to the March meeting. PRESENTATION Water Rates Presentation (Item #1) Kurt Schroeder, Manager of Parks, Trails and Open Space, said that the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services pays the commercial rate for water to irrigate over 900 acres of turf throughout the park system. The rates for water have increased 56.9% the past two years and are forecasted to increase 10-12% annually for the next 8 to 10 years. The Department budget for utility costs has not kept pace with the rate increases and the budget for irrigation was actually decreased in 2007 and 2008. Due to concern for the impact reduced watering would have on the condition of the turf and trees in parks, City Council directed Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) to recommend a modified water rate structure for the Parks Department. Park staff and CSU staff have been working on a revised rate structure that would fit within their administrative guidelines and provide relief to the Parks Department?s cost of irrigating.
Utilities Board instructed CSU staff to revisit the original proposal to see if additional savings for the Parks Department could be realized. Additional meetings have occurred between CSU and Park staff to assess the next steps to be included within the pilot project. CSU will file their rate case before City Council on March 23, 2010, with a public hearing on the rates and approval by Council scheduled for April 27, 2010. CSU has also indicated that through their conservation plan, they will commit $300,000~$500,000 to assist the Parks Department with conservation methods. The Department currently has at least 30 systems which are 30 years or older. The Department began replacing these systems two years ago but the project ceased due to lack of funding. Adopt-a-Park Update (Item #2) Kurt Schroeder, Manager of Parks, Trails and Open Space, said that Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services has always relied heavily on the efforts of volunteers and adopters. This reliance has become all the more important with the 80% reduction in the Parks Department budget for 2010. Parks staff has been working with a number of individuals and groups in a variety of ways to facilitate the adoptive role they would like to play to help with the care and maintenance of parks. The announcement of the removal of trash cans from the neighborhood parks spurred a renewed interest in the Adopt-A-Park program. Many have contacted the Department inquiring how they may pitch in to help. The adoption of trash cans has garnered significant interest although there have been a variety of inquiries with several levels of adoptions implemented (i.e. provide liners and dispose trash). Calls and/or e-mails are received daily with the completed number of adoption agreements changing almost daily. Steve Immel, a citizen, has created a website called "Proud of Our Parks" is generating a lot of interests in Adopt-A-Park program. Mr. Schroeder has been visiting HOAs seeking their assistance at their parks. There has been a positive feedback from the community. There is considerable interest in the community wanting to help the Department both financially and through volunteerism. As of March 11, 2010 thirty two adoptions have been formalized, ranging from trash cans to full maintenance services. Nancy Lewis Park? Full maintenance 2. 3. Acacia Park ? Mowing, trimming, edging 4. Henry Park ? Trash cans 5. 6. 7. Mid Shooks Run - Trash cans 8. 9. Stetson Park- Trash cans 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. N. Douglas Creek Trail - Trash cans 16. Pulpit Rock - Trash cans 18. 19. 20. Ken Jordan Park - $1,000 toward maintenance 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. Lunar Park ? Trash cans 29. 30. 31. Stratton Open Space ? Trash cans 32. A brief discussion ensued following the presentation, which included monetary donations going into a Gift Trust account, the Adopt-A-Park program and Volunteer Stewardship Plan, utilizing contract mowers versus staff if financially viable and the importance of recognizing volunteers through adopter signage. Ms. Mashburn asked for a copy of the list of parks which have been adopted. Mr. Schroeder explained the vandalism which occurs in parks, especially in the playground areas and the cost to replace equipment. Annual Forestry Report (Item #3 Paul Smith, Forestry Manager, provided a brief history and a status of the Forestry Division. Mr. Smith began his presentation by recognizing the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director Paul Butcher for his leadership, half time staff forester Becky Lamphear, who is putting in a full time effort and the tireless Forestry Division crew who takes the job to their heart. Mr. Smith also introduced City Fire Marshall Brett Lacey and said that the Forestry Division, which has been under the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department has moved their operations under the Fire Marshall in the Colorado Springs Fire Department. Mr. Smith provided a brief history of the beginning of the Forestry program, which began with General Palmer?s vision of wide tree line streets and the construction of the Mr. McKown's first report to City officials indicated that he had inventoried 1,229 street trees. The current inventory lists approximately 100,000 plus street trees and 20,000 park trees. This does not include hundreds of acres of wooded open spaces. Although the numbers are larger and the equipment and the techniques for carrying out the work have changed and improved over the years, the duties and responsibilities of the Forestry Division have not changed. Staff still inspects for diseases, removes the dead and diseased trees and plants and maintains the trees. In 2009, the Forestry Division had 14 full-time employees and 4 hourly employees (1 City Forester, 3 Staff Foresters, 10 Forestry Techs, 1 administrator). The Division received 6,300 calls for service, pruned 1,110 trees, removed 973 trees, planted 632 trees and treated 82 acres in open spaces. In 2010, the Division is operating with 1 City Forester, 1/2 time Staff Forester, 4 Forestry Techs, and 1 to 3 hourly employees. The responsibilities have not changed but only the ability to respond. The Division is currently concentrating on hazard tree identification and mitigation, traffic visibility issues and sign clearance and insect and disease management As mentioned earlier, Forestry has now moved under the Fire Marshall but the essential duties and responsibilities still remain the same, with a focus on responding to tree-related emergencies and mitigating hazardous tree situations that could pose a liability to the City and the Urban Forest. An area of concern is the older aging and declining forest. After a number of tree failures over the last couple of years staff began a hazard tree assessment on maple trees in the older parts of the City and began to address hazardous trees by monitoring and removing those which show significant signs of rot and decay. Another area of emphasis in 2010 will be to mitigate the Cities liability with blocked signage and visibility obstructions. In 2009, 441 blocked or obscured street signs were cleared. Mr. Smith invited the Board members to the Arbor Day event on April 30th at In response to Rich Eastland's suggestion regarding hazardous elimination study grant, especially regards to the signage, Mr. Smith said that the Department has worked with PPRTA and SWENT in the past and it will continue to work with PPRTA on removal projects. Mr. Smith said that staff is working with the Fire Department on getting the word out for the Arbor Day event. In response to Carl Reinhardt's question regarding DIRECTOR'S REPORT (Item #4) Paul Butcher, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department, provided the following report: Update on Cultural Services Division
- North Cheyenne Cañon, - Rock Ledge Ranch: Reached self-sustainability through private funding and fundraising by the Living History Association for 2010 operations. ($185,000) - Update on Recreation Services Division - Community Centers: Staff from each center have been working very hard to raise funds and/or find partners. RFPs have been received for potential operators/partnerships and are currently under review. A number of options are being considered for the centers. - - Aquatics Program: There is an interest from a private group operate the aquatics program. Some funds have been raised. Discussions are currently underway. - Youth and Adult Sports Programs, City Auditorium and At this point, there is a shortfall of approximately $550,000 in order to keep all the facilities open for the remainder of 2010. On March 22, 2010, staff will provide the full report to City Council regarding the status of the Recreation and Cultural Services. Distribution Items - Universally Accessible Playground: Public Service Announcement informing the public regarding the project. - The Gazette Article on South Slope: Featured an article titled "Utilities to Begin Building Trails" on March 10, 2010. There is an accelerated effort in development of South Slope. Utilities Board will be discussing this item at their next meeting. There is some direction to move forward with the project. The Parks Department will be involved in the process. Alegria "Living" Magazine: Featured an article titled "The Palmers" in the Winter 2010 Issue. The article includes history of the Rock Ledge Ranch. Fundraising for Fourth of July Event: There is an effort in raising $80,000 for the 4th of July event by a group. The Department will be assisting the group with logistics but the group will be responsible for raising the funds.
Joint City/County Parks Board Meeting: The meeting will be held after the Parks Board meeting at 11:00 a.m. at the
Break: 8:57 a.m. Reconvened: 9:19 a.m.
CONTINUING BUSINESS
Request on Behalf of the Garden of the Gods Trading Post to Improve Wayfinding Signage in Garden of the Gods Park (Item #4) Chris Lieber, Manager of Design, Development and TOPS, provided the Board with a presentation outlining opportunities to improve the wayfinding signage within Garden of the There are a number of tiers of signage in the Garden of the Gods:
- Tier 1 - This is generally entry signs and there will be no changes to these signs. - Tier 2 - Directional signs - How to get to destination areas. (i.e. - Tier 3 - Directional signs at destination areas (i.e. parking area, RV park, picnic area, etc.) (No modifications) - Street Signs - (i.e. Juniper Way Loop, Staff focused on changes to the Tier 2 signage only.
There are eight locations within the Park which have been identified for changes in signage. Currently there are ten signs but six additional wayfinding signs will be added. The consultants on the signage include representatives from the Garden of the Gods Trading Post, Garden of the Gods Visitor and Nature Center, Traffic Engineering, Parks Department Sign Shop, Matrix Design Group, and Design and Development Division. This item is information only at this time and no formal action is required by the Parks Board. Example of changes to signage: Signage on The existing sign has too much information for one sign, it is too close to the intersection and some information is not needed at this location. Sign 1 & 2 The proposed signage will divide information between two signs. The first sign refers to information about the park while the second sign refers to adjacent park features. Both signs are moved further away from the intersection and spaced 140 feet apart. Sign 3 The proposed signage will be directional signage and located in the median. It will act as a reminder of critical information to the motorist. Signage on The existing signage has too much information on one sign, it is too close to the intersection and some information is not needed. Sign 1 The proposed signage will only include relevant upcoming features and the sign is moved further away from the intersection Sign 2 Proposed signage will be located in the median and it will act as a reminder of critical information to the motorist The cost estimate for the amended signage is as follows: Materials $2,200.00 Installation $4,500.00 TOTAL $6,700.00 In response to Rich Eastland's question regarding the fonts on the signage, Mr. Lieber said that the master plan specifically identifies font size. If that was to change then a public meeting needs to be conducted for a master plan amendment. Terry Haas with the Trading Post thanked the staff for their time on this project and said that he was pleased with the outcome. In response to Mr. Eastland's question regarding roundabouts, Mr. Lieber said that staff had initially explored the idea in a couple of different locations but they are not being considering at this time. TOPS BUSINESS TOPS Update (Item #6) Chris Lieber, Manager of Design, Development and TOPS, showed pictures of the construction in progress for the Swing High Universally Accessible Playground. Funding sources for the project are as follows: General Fund $ - 0 - TOPS $ 400,000 GOCO $ 200,000 PLDO $ 150,000 Phil Long Community Fund $ 110,000 Gates Family Foundation $ 25,000 El Pomar $ 10,000 King Soopers $ 10,000 Aerial Gymnastics $ 10,000 Donations $ 22,000 In response to Rich Eastland's concern regarding skateboard users, Mr. Lieber said that staff is considering adding skateboard cleats on one side. The other side has rubberized play surface. TOPS Committee continues to meet on a monthly basis. The Committee is looking at strategic planning effort (i.e. expanding the role of the committee members, etc.) BOARD BUSINESS Board Committee Reports Museum Board: At the request of Mary Mashburn, Matt Mayberry, Manager of Cultural Services, said that the Museum is one of the five finalists for the Arts Art Creates Community grant for the Hearts, Hands and History program which kicked off on February 6, 2010. The grant is sponsored by the Bee Vradenburg Foundation, Gay & Lesbian Fund for Manitou Incline Task Force: Kira Pasquesi said that the next meeting for the Task Force is scheduled on March 11, 6:00 p.m. at the Manitou Springs City Council Chambers. The Task Force is still in the early stage of planning public process. Art Commission: Mary Mashburn will continue as the Board representative to the Art Commission. Board Committee Concerns Fundraising Events for Community Center: Ms. Mashburn announced the following events for raising funds for the community centers: - Hillside and - - T-shirts for Community Centers on sale for $10.00. Sustainable Parks Initiative (SPI): Chair EXECUTIVE SESSION Negotiations Pertaining to a Land Matter (Item #5) Jill Gaeble made a motion to hold a closed Executive Session to discuss ?Negotiations Pertaining to a Land Matter?. Motion seconded by Carl Reinhardt and carried unanimously. Chair The Board went into a Closed Executive Session at 9:51 a.m. and finished at 9:55 a.m. Being no further business, the Board adjourned at 9:55 a.m. to continue with a joint City/County Parks Board meeting at the
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